Candy storage and dispensing device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A candy container and dispenser device. A multi-compartment dispensing device offers a unique device for storing and dispensing candy. Accordingly, multiple types and/or colors of candy may be contained in a transparent housing to create a very colorful presentation. Any number of candy types, including powdered, beads, pellets and the like, may be stored and dispensed with the multi-compartment device. The compartments each include rotatable floors controlled by actuators. When the floors are rotated in a sloping manner, contained candies fall into a common chamber positioned beneath the compartments. A dispensing aperture in the chamber allows the candies to exit the container. One version comprises a flute-shaped device having a controller linked to one or more actuators and configured to trigger audible tones via an audio device and/or one or more LEDs.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/465,528 filed May 13, 2009 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/927,250 filed Aug. 26, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,174 issued Jul. 7, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for storing and dispensing candy.

BACKGROUND

Yearly candy sales in the United States top $10 billion. Moreover, candy sales are expected to grow 3%-5% per year for the next five years. A rapidly growing trend in the candy industry is interactive candy or candy that is packaged with dispensers. Many dispensers are meant to be collectibles, while others are promotional, often used for movie or video game tie-ins.

Candy dispensers come in many different shapes and sizes. One of the first candy dispensers was known as the “Pixy-Stix.” A Pixy-Stix is a closed paper tube, which resembles a straw, containing powdered and colored candy. In order to consume the candy, a user tears or bites off an end of the tube and pours the candy into their hands or mouth. U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,357 to Epstein illustrates one such paper tube. Unfortunately, when bitten or placed in one's mouth, ends of the paper tube become saturated with saliva causing the tube to seal unexpectedly. In response, a user must manually re-open the tube. The entire process tends to be messy and the mixture of powdered candy and saliva creates an undesirable paste-like substance.

Consequently, there have been numerous attempts to develop alternative dispensers for powdered candy and other small candy items. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,138,249, 5,853,112 and 6,139,393 disclose such dispensers. However, each of the disclosed dispensers suffers from one or more drawbacks. That is, the dispensers are unsafe for children (e.g., have small detachable parts), complex and burdensome to manufacture and/or lack versatility.

Accordingly, there continues to be the need for an aesthetically pleasing candy dispenser remedying the drawbacks of previous dispensers while accomplishing the objective of dispensing candy in a manner entertaining to its users.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a compartmentalized container for segregating different types and/or colors of candy. In one embodiment, the container takes the shape of a flute wherein multiple candy compartments are formed along its length. In the flute embodiment, each compartment may accommodate different candy (e.g., powder, small candy beads or pellets, etc.) and/or different colored candies. To enhance the flute-shaped dispenser, the flute includes an operational mouthpiece for creating an audible tone. A release mechanism provides a means for the user to dispense the candy through, for example, the mouthpiece of the flute.

Ideally, the container is fabricated of a transparent plastic so that the user may observe the various candies in the multiple compartments. In this manner, a rainbow of candy colors can be created to enhance the appearance of the dispenser.

While a flute has been described, other shapes, including a harmonica, whistle or animals, may be used to form the container. Other features, variations and embodiments will become evident from the detailed description, drawings and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first flute embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first flute embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional width view along direction A of the first flute embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a transparent side view of a second flute embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a view of a wall of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of covers open in the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective upper view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective side view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10-11 shows perspective cut-away views of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a compartment of a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of the compartment of the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of a candy dispenser with doors in open and closed positions according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a side view of a dispensing end in the form of a flute tip of a candy dispenser according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 show end views of a dispensing end in the form of a flute tip of a candy dispenser according to the embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an electronic system which may be incorporated in the candy dispenser according to the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first top and side view of a flute embodiment generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The flute 100 comprises a mouthpiece 110, multiple compartments 115-1 through 115-6, dividing walls 117 release unit 120, filler openings 125 and filler opening covers 130. The filler opening covers 130 are joined to the flute 100 by hinges 127 which allow the covers 130 to be opened by applying pressure in a sideways direction. In other words, the covers 130 rotate in a direction denoted by B in FIG. 1 about a top of the flute 130. The flute 100 may be made of any suitable material but ideally transparent plastic is used. The use of transparent material allows the candy 135 to be seen while contained in the flute 100. The candy 135 may be packaged in the flute 100 at the manufacturing facility and delivered to the retail outlets accordingly. As described in detail below, once the candy 135 is dispensed by a user, the flute 100 may include means for allowing the user to refill the flute 100 as desired.

The release unit 120 provides means for dispensing the contained candy 135. While the release unit 120 shown is a knob, it can also be a lever, button, handle, finger, rib or similar feature. In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, each compartment 115-1 through 115-6 includes an aperture 140 in a wall 117 thereof. The size of the apertures 140 dictates the size of the candy 135 that may be readily contained and dispensed by the flute 100. To dispense the candy 135 the release unit 120 is pulled away or lifted from the flute container 100 thereby opening an internal movable cover 150 of the aperture 140-1 in the mouthpiece 110. The cover 150 moves along parallel tracks 155 in the wall 117-1. Then, the user tilts the flute container 100 and pours the candy 135 through the compartment apertures 140, including the opened mouthpiece aperture 140-1, and into their hand or mouth. The release mechanism 120 is attached to the cover 150 of the mouthpiece aperture 140-1 by an elongated substantially rigid member 165. A spring 170 and disc 175 interact to force the cover 150 to its closed position once the user releases the knob 120. A locking mechanism (not shown) may also hold the knob 120 in an open position until the user is ready to close the aperture 140-1.

In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each compartment aperture 140 incorporates a movable cover 150. In the second embodiment, each of the compartment covers 150, including the mouthpiece cover 150-1, is controlled by the release mechanism 120. Thus, once the release mechanism 120 is pulled away from the flute 100, each of the compartment covers 120 is moved to an open position allowing the candy 135 to flow freely from the compartments 115-1 through 115-6 and into the user's mouth or hands. A rod 180 connected to the substantially rigid member 165 joins each cover 150-1 through 150-6. As shown in FIG. 5, a slot 185 in each compartment wall 117-1 through 117-6 allows the rod 180 to move vertically such that the covers 150-1 through 150-6 may open. Upon release of the knob 120, the spring 170 and disc 175 force the covers 150-1 through 150-6 to their closed position.

In a third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 a shaft 200 extends the length of the flute 100 and rotatably attaches at a first end to a compartment wall 117. Ideally, the first end of the shaft 200 resides within a cylindrical or circular channel 205 having one open end. The shaft 200 supports one or more covers 210. In an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft 200 supports a cover 210 for each compartment aperture 140. Upon turning the shaft 200 (as indicated by the arrow) via knob 220 affixed to a second end of the shaft 200, the covers 210 move to allow the candy to flow through the compartment apertures 140. Friction between the first end of the shaft 200 and circular channel wall restrains the shaft 200 and covers 210 in a fixed position until acted on by the user. Alternatively, the channel 205 and first end of the shaft 200 may each be threaded to facilitate a secure engagement therebetween.

The size of the compartment apertures 140 and mouthpiece aperture 140-1 dictate the size of the candy 135 which can be suitably contained and dispensed by the flute 100. Accordingly, the flute 100 may accommodate powdered candy, small candy items and/or coated candy. Different candies may be mixed and matched as desired. For example, a rainbow effect may be created by placing different colored candies in each transparent compartment 115-1 through 115-6. Refilling the flute 100 may be accomplished by pouring candy 135 through each individual external opening of the compartments 115-1 through 115-6. Similarly, a user may retrieve candy from each compartment 115-1 through 115-6 individually by opening the filler opening cover 130 and pouring the candy 135 from the desired compartment 115-1 through 115-6.

FIGS. 8-11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention generally referred to by reference numeral 300. In this embodiment, the flute 300 comprises a series of individual compartments 310-1 through 310-8 with a common chamber 320 extending lengthwise along the flute 300 beneath each compartment 310-1 through 310-8. Individual floors 315 associated with each compartment 310-1 through 310-8 are configured to descend in a sloping manner as shown with compartment 310-2 in FIGS. 9-11. Causing floor 315-2 to descend is accomplished by depressing a corresponding actuator 325-2. Each actuator 325 is attached to a floor 315 such that the actuator 325 is able to cause the floor 315 to descend, about a hinge 330 or similar mechanism, in a sloping manner. As the floor 315 slopes, the candy stored in the corresponding compartment 310 falls into the common chamber 320 therebelow.

In one embodiment, the hinge 330 is spring-biased such that once pressure is removed from the actuator 325, the spring-biased hinge 330 causes the floor 315 and actuator 325 to return to normal positions. Alternatively, springs (not shown) may also be positioned between the actuators 325 and an upper surface of the flute 300. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of actuator 325/floor 315 configurations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In another embodiment, each actuator 325 or a single actuator is linked to each floor 315 such that candies in each compartment are dispensed simultaneously. In another embodiment, a single floor extends beneath each compartment 325 and is controlled by one or more actuators.

It is also recognized that only a portion of the floor 315 (or lower surface) may be movable. For example, one-half of the floor 315 may be controlled by the actuator 325 rather than the entire floor 315.

Once the candy enters the common chamber 320 it is free to exit the flute 300 via dispensing aperture 330. In one embodiment, the dispensing aperture 330 is permanently open and in another embodiment, it may be opened and closed by a user. Multiple candies may be dispensed simultaneously by depressing multiple actuators 325 simultaneously. The dispensing aperture 330 is sized to accommodate the types of candies stored within the flute 300. In one embodiment, each compartment 310-1 through 310-8 may be refilled via an opening (not shown) in the compartment 310-1 through 310-8. In an alternative embodiment, the flute 300 is does not include refill openings. Like the other embodiments, the flute 300 can be fabricated of transparent materials (e.g., plastic) so that different colored candies may be used to create an attractive candy presentation.

While it is not mandatory, the flute 100, 300 may be made operational by utilizing the mouthpiece 110. To create an audible tone the mouthpiece 110 incorporates an opening 170 and restrains a ball 175. Therefore, as air is blown through the mouthpiece 110 the ball 175 blocks a portion of the opening 170 causing the creation of an audible tone. Also, in an alternative embodiment, buttons or actuators 325 along the flute container 100, 300 may be functional to allow the flute 100, 300 to discharge multiple tones and notes.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a compartment 400 of a fifth embodiment according to the embodiments of the present invention. A button 405 provides a mechanism for depressing a connected actuator 410. The actuator 410 includes a stem 411, top member 412 and a vertical member 413. In one embodiment, the actuator 410 is a single unit. In FIG. 12, a cut-away portion provides a view into the compartment 400 (In FIG. 12, the cut-away portion is removed to allow the inner portion of the compartment to be viewed). When the actuator 410 is depressed (Arrow A), the stem 411, top member 412 and vertical member 413 collectively move downward (Arrows B) forcing the front end of a floor 415 to move downward (Arrow C) as a rearward end of the floor 415 rotates about a hinge 417 creating a downward sloping ramp for the candy to exit the compartment 400. The hinge 417 is configured (e.g., spring biased) to maintain the floor 415 in a substantially horizontal orientation until a external force is applied. As the floor 415 moves downward into an open position 415-1, candy stored therein may roll into a common chamber 425 via the opening between the floor 415-1 and adjacent wall 406 and ultimately to a user via a dispenser aperture. An elastic member 430 (e.g., elastic band) is fixed at a first end to fixed portion 431 of the dispenser and connected to the vertical member 413. As the actuator 410 is depressed via the button 405, the elastic member 430 extends and once the actuator 410 is released, the elastic band 430 compresses to an original length thereby raising the actuator 430 to an original position allowing the floor 415 to rotate to a horizontal, closed position. The elastic member 430 may be replaced with a spring or other member capable of expanding and compressing. Once said actuator 410 is released after being depressed, the elastic member 430 compresses to its original position thereby pulling the actuator 410 to an original position prior to the application of external pressure by the user.

FIG. 14 shows a pair of compartment doors 460-1, 460-2 in an open position and compartment door 460-3 in a closed position. The doors 460-1, 460-2 and 460-3 rotate about a rod 465 extending the length of the candy dispenser. Individual rods may also be incorporated into each compartment for the same purpose.

FIGS. 15-17 show side, rear and front views, respectively, of a flute tip 470 which acts to deliver the candy from the common compartment 425 to the user. A rotatable flap 475 opens under the weight of the candy allowing candy to be delivered to the user via opening 480. An optional whistle 485 or similar mechanism may be incorporated in the flute tip 470 to provide a means for a user to generate audible tones. A separate opening 490 directs user air to the whistle thereby activating the same. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, one or more of the actuators 410 may be tied to a controller 495 programmed to trigger an audio unit 496 play audible tones upon activation. The controller 495 may also trigger lighting of one or more LEDs 497 positioned within or on the candy dispenser.

Even though the description has focused on a flute embodiment, any number of other container shapes are conceivable. For example, a container having a harmonica or whistle shape may incorporate multiple compartments for containing different types and/or colors of candies. Indeed, the shape does not need to be of an instrument or related sound-generating device. That is, the device may take any form, including that of animals (e.g., snake, alligator or shark). In fact, the shape may be dictated by a movie promotion or similar external influence.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. 

1. A candy container and dispenser comprising: one or more compartments, each of said compartments comprising: multiple walls; a movable floor; an actuator configured to move said floor to an open position from a closed position; and a expandable and compressible member fixed at a first end and connected to said actuator at a second end such that said elastic member serves to move said actuator from a depressed position to an original position allowing said floor to move from an open position to a closed position.
 2. The candy container and dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a common chamber extending beneath said one or more compartments.
 3. The candy container and dispenser of claim 3 further comprising a dispensing aperture, said dispensing aperture in communication with said common chamber.
 4. The candy container and dispenser of claim 1 wherein said actuator is configured to move at least a portion of said floor downward.
 5. The candy container and dispenser of claim 1 further comprising multiple compartments in a housing formed in the shape of a flute.
 6. The candy container and dispenser of claim 1 wherein said expandable and compressible member is an elastic member.
 7. The candy container and dispenser of claim 1 further including a controller linked to one or more actuators, said controller configured to trigger audible tones via an audio device.
 8. The candy container and dispenser of claim 7 where in said controller further triggers one or more LEDs.
 9. A candy container and dispenser comprising: one or more compartments, each of said compartments comprising: multiple walls; a movable floor; an actuator configured to move said floor to an open position from a closed position in a substantially vertically downward direction; and means for moving said associated floor from an open position to a closed position.
 10. The candy container and dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a common chamber extending beneath said one or more compartments.
 11. The candy container and dispenser of claim 9 further comprising a dispensing aperture, said dispensing aperture in communication with said common chamber.
 12. The candy container and dispenser of claim 9 further comprising multiple compartments in a housing formed in the shape of a flute.
 13. The candy container and dispenser of claim 9 wherein said means for moving said associated floor from an open position to a closed position is an elastic member.
 14. The candy container and dispenser of claim 9 further including a controller linked to one or more actuators, said controller configured to trigger audible tones via an audio device.
 15. The candy container and dispenser of claim 14 where in said controller further triggers one or more LEDs.
 16. A candy container and dispenser comprising: one or more compartments, each of said compartments comprising: multiple walls; a floor rotatable about one end thereof; an actuator configured to rotate said floor to an open position from a closed position; and means for returning said actuator to an original position upon release of pressure upon said actuator.
 17. The candy container and dispenser of claim 16 further comprising a common chamber extending beneath said one or more compartments.
 18. The candy container and dispenser of claim 16 further comprising a dispensing aperture, said dispensing aperture in communication with said common chamber.
 19. The candy container and dispenser of claim 16 further comprising multiple compartments in a housing formed in the shape of a flute.
 20. The candy container and dispenser of claim 16 wherein said means for moving said associated floor from an open position to a closed position is an elastic member. 